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Sources Confirm Mavericks, Nowitzki Agree To Deal

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Sources close to the Dallas Mavericks confirmed late Saturday that the team did indeed reach a verbal agreement with forward Dirk Nowitzki that will keep him in Dallas for the next four years.

The deal is reportedly worth $80 million and includes a no-trade clause. Kobe Bryant is currently the only active player in the NBA with such a clause. The salary is also short of the league maximum of $96.2 million, which leaves the Mavericks with more room to maneuver in attracting a high-profile free agent.

The news came Saturday night, just hours after Nowitzki’s adviser told the AP that the star had “no statement, no decision” on the resigning.

The new contract will not become official until July 8, which is the first day players are allowed to sign with a team. Mavericks General Manager Donnie Nelson said the team will now focus its energies on resigning center Brendon Haywood.